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Best Celtic Songs of 2025

Photo by Thanh Thiện Tô: 
https://www.pexels.com/photo/pink-mp3-player-with-earphones-on-textured-surface-29609210/

2025 was a great year for Celtic music. From traditional Celtic music to pop and rock and everything in between, this year’s releases truly had something for everyone to enjoy. These songs were the standout songs for me from the year. This is my opinion, so it is okay if you disagree and think other songs deserve to be here. These are my favorite songs. The songs are in no particular order.

1. “Up Hope” by Deacon Blue

“Up Hope” is from Deacon Blue’s tenth studio album. This whole album is phenomenal and upbeat, but this song perfectly captures the essence of the album. It is a song of hope, unity, and bringing people together. In a world of darkness and division, this song reminds us that there is still love and light in the world that unite us.

2. “Take A Sexy Picture Of Me” by CMAT

This song is an anthem for all women who deal with so much on a regular basis. Women are expected to do so much and look good doing so. Society puts so much pressure on women to look good from an early age. This song questions the importance of that when women have so many other important things to do. The second verse of the song was a hit across social media, becoming the soundtrack to a viral dance and video trend.

3. “Hey Brother” by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers

I was lucky enough to hear this song live, even before I listened to the album. I discovered the band in September of this year and went to see them in concert. This song was an absolute standout in the concert. It was played early on in the set. I was drawn into other songs that were played prior to the song, but this song solidified my love for the band for me.

4.  "A Mother's Heart for Palestine" by Mothers Against Genocide

2025 was an amazing concert year for me. I got to see Mary Black perform with the High Kings back in March, which was a great experience. She is featured on this song, among other musicians. Not only is the song a beautiful song in its own right, but the message behind it and the awareness it is raising make it even better. The original song, “A Mother’s Heart,” is one of my favorites, but this rendition adds a new layer of meaning to it.

5. “Lovers and Friends” by Varo

This song is about the current political climate around the world. It was written by Sean Mone about politicians who only work for themselves, ignoring the needs of their constituents. The song says that our social connections will get us through. Though the song was written and released by other musicians prior to this year, Varo’s rendition is timely for all that is going on in the world currently.


Related Articles:

-Album Review: "The World That I Knew" by Varo: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/05/album-review-world-i-knew-varo.html 

-Mothers Against Genocide Release "A Mother's Heart for Palestine": https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/08/mothers-against-genocide-release-mothers-heart-for-palestine.html

-Concert Review: Red Hot Chilli Pipers: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/09/concert-review-red-hot-chilli-pipers.html

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Celtic Christmas Carols

Photo by Lorna Pauli: https://www.pexels.com/photo/festive-grafton-street-night-scene-in-dublin-29545950/

One of the most special things about the Christmas season is the music. People look forward to listening to Christmas music on the radio and singing the carols in church. From more secular tunes to sacred hymns, many of the beloved songs of the season have Celtic roots.

“Auld Lang Syne”

“Auld Lang Syne” was originally a poem written by Scottish poet Robert Burns. It is believed that it was written in 1788, though Burns may have transcribed it from a folk song. The song is commonly sung at New Year’s celebrations as well as at Burns Night festivities. The phrase “auld lang syne” translates to “for old times' sake’ and is a reflection on the friendships and events of the previous years.

Angels From the Realms of Glory

This hymn was written by Scottish poet James Montgomery. He sent the poem that contained the lyrics to the hymn to the Sheffield Irish newspaper on Christmas Eve in 1816. It appeared in the newspaper the following day. The song was inspired by the Gospel of Luke, specifically in chapter two, when the angels were heralding Jesus’ birth. Henry Smart, a blind organist from England, wrote the melody, and the song was performed for the first time on Christmas day in 1821.

Deck the Halls

“Deck the Halls” is a Welsh tune that dates back to the sixteenth century. John Jones (Talhaiarn) wrote the Welsh lyrics in 1862. The English lyrics were written by Thomas Oliphant, a Scottish musician, also in 1862. There have been variations to the lyrics throughout the years. Originally, the title and lyrics were “Deck the Hall,” but the pluralization of “halls” came as early as 1892.

First Noel

“The First Noel” originated in Cornwall during the Proto-Renaissance. It is believed that the hymn was first featured in a Miracle Plays, which were plays that portrayed Bible stories. One of these plays would likely be about the Christmas story, depicting Jesus’ birth. Since then, residents of Cornwall began to sing the song in the streets of the nation, and it has since become a staple for churches to sing during the Christmas season.

Once In Royal David’s City

This carol was written by Irish poet Cecil Frances Alexander. It was originally published in her hymnbook, “Hymns for Little Children,” in 1848. In 1849, it was set to music by British composer Henry Gauntlett. The collection of hymns was written to explain the parts of the Apostles’ Creed. “Once In Royal David’s City” focuses on Jesus being born to Mary.

Wexford Carol

Also known as “The Enniscorthy Carol,” “The Wexford Carol” originated from Enniscorthy in County Wexford. The focus of the song is the nativity of Jesus Christ. It was originally published in the 15th or 16th century based on its music and lyrics, and it was popularized through the work of Irish author and composer William Grattan Flood. Originally, only men were supposed to sing the song, but women have covered it, from Loreena McKennitt to Celtic Woman. 


Related Articles

-Album Review: "Nollaig-A Christmas Journey" by Celtic Woman: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/12/album-review-nollaig-christmas-journey.html

-Album Review: "A Cosy Christmas" by Keith Harkin: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2024/12/album-review-cosy-christmas-by-keith.html

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Album Review: "Nollaig-A Christmas Journey" by Celtic Woman

 

Celtic Woman,  "Nollaig-A Christmas Journey"

On November 7, 2025, Celtic Woman released their latest Christmas album, “Nollaig- A Christmas Journey.” The album features 13 beloved Christmas songs as well as some that are not as well-known, all with a Celtic Woman stamp.

New Celtic Woman members Caitríona Sherlock and Ciara Ní Mhurcú join singers Mairéad Carlin and Muirgen O’Mahony and fiddle player Tara McNeill on the album. Sean-Nós singer Sibéal is featured on three songs, and Tara Howley is featured in the band playing Uilleann Pipes & Whistles.

Throughout the years, Celtic Woman has seen several shifts in personnel. Despite this, the group remains strong and continues to stay true to the sound and the voice that their fans have come to expect and love. Listeners who have followed the group since its beginnings can appreciate the continuity in the overall vibes of the group.

While many of the songs on the album are familiar, Celtic Woman put their own Celtic stamp on the songs. This keeps the songs alive and freshens up even the most popular songs of the season. Most of the songs feature the singers, but “Silent Night” and “The Bells of Dublin/Christmas Eve/Navan in the Snow” are instrumental tracks.

In true Celtic Woman fashion, the album starts out with a vibrant and dramatic version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” The song bursts with Christmas joy and spirit right off the bat. The energy of the song remains strong and powerful, drawing listeners in for the merriment of the rest of the album.

“Silent Night” is the first instrumental piece on the album. It starts off with the traditional tune that is well-known after a Celtic introduction. By the end, the tune morphs back into the same motif that was a part of the song’s introduction. It continues to be a classic Christmas tune, but this rendition

“The Bells of Dublin/Christmas Eve/Navan in the Snow” is an instrumental set. Those who are also Celtic Thunder fans may recognize this kind of instrumental set from Celtic Thunder, so Celtic Woman’s own version is a nice nod, even if it was unintentional. This song is fun and upbeat, capturing the festivity and merriment of the holiday.

Celtic Woman has performed “Auld Lang Syne” on previous albums, but this is a nice update, especially since there are new members. Listeners may be surprised to hear the two versions of the melody represented on this track, which is not something that is done. Usually, musicians pick one or the other, but the combination is perfect for those who love one or the other, or both, versions of the melody.

Overall, this album is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you want to listen to it for yourself or buy it for a Celtic Woman fan in your life for Christmas, it is a great option for a gift. None of the songs on the album are labeled as explicit, making it a great listen for holiday gatherings with loved ones of all ages. 

Track list:

1. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 

2. Nollaig na mBan 

3. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 

4. River 

5. Codail a Linbh 

6. Silent Night 

7. Wexford Carol 

8. Little Drummer Boy 

9. Don Oíche Úd i mBeithil 

10. Silver Bells 

11. In the Bleak Midwinter / Goin’ Home 

12. The Bells of Dublin / Christmas Eve / Navan in the Snow 

13. Auld Lang Syne 


Related Articles: 

-Album Review: "A Cosy Christmas" by Keith Harkin: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2024/12/album-review-cosy-christmas-by-keith.html


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"Written In Light" Concert To Benefit Those Impacted by Ukraine War

 

On December 12, 2025, Spiders For Ukraine will host the “Written In Light” charity concert. The night features Scottish and Ukrainian music through caroling and a concert as well as homemade Ukrainian food and crafts. This is a family-friendly event.

The event will also feature a moving play called “Life in One Suitcase.” Written by Ukrainian director Oksana Saiapina, this play tells the story of those who are displaced and the decisions they have to make in the moment. The play connects to Christmas as the events around the first Christmas were not calm and peaceful, but there was a sense of promise and hope.

Other performances in the concert include the Harmony Kids Club in Edinburgh choir, DINA and Viter Kondriyanenko, and John Morran. The evening will also include a fair featuring Ukrainian artists and food from Ukrainian volunteers. There will be a workshop on how to make a motanka, which is a Ukrainian doll.

The goal of the concert is to provide a place where Scottish and Ukrainian cultures can meet and to create a safe space to talk about the war that is still happening.  It also offers a way for attendees to see Christmas from the Ukrainian perspective and connect to both Scottish and Ukrainian culture.

This is Spiders for Ukraine’s first Christmas charity concert, but they have hosted other events in the past. This past summer, the organization hosted a Scottish–Irish–Ukrainian concert in Newhaven, which was shortlisted for this year’s Creative Edinburgh Awards in the Collaboration of the Year category.

“We are delighted to continue building connections through art and supporting those who need our help,” says Inessa Rezanova.

“Written in Light” is organized by Spiders for Ukraine. The Edinburgh-based organization hosts a wide variety of charity concerts and other arts events to raise money to support those impacted by the war in Ukraine. The funds generated by the organization's previous events have provided evacuation vehicles, ambulances, and other humanitarian aid.

Spiders For Ukraine started in 2022 as a way for those who fled to Scotland to escape the war to help those who stayed behind. Spiders for Ukraine centers opened in Edinburgh first and then expanded to Dundee, Aberdeen, and other places. A huge part of the efforts to help out is to weave camouflage nets. These nets resemble spider webs and evoke images of spiders, which is how the organization got its name.

Another project that Spiders For Ukraine has been a part of is the exhibition called “Icons on the Ammunition Boxes.” These icons were painted on ammunition boxes by Ukrainian artists Oles Klymenko and Sonya Atlantova. This exhibition has traveled the world, and the Spiders for Ukraine was the first organization to bring it to Scotland.

If you go:

Date: December 12, 2025 from 6 to 9 pm

Location: Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh, EH1 2QQ

Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. 


Related Articles:

-Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity To Host Sparkle and Shine Carol Concert: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/11/echc-sparkle-and-shine-2025.html

-Celtic Events: December 2025: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/11/celtic-events-december-2025.html

-New Hope's Dubliner on the Delaware To Close: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/11/new-hopes-dubliner-on-delaware-to-close.html

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ManxSPCA To Host Annual Christmas Fair

ManxSPCA to host annual Christmas Fair

On December 6, 2025, ManxSPCA is hosting its ManxSPCA Christmas Fair. This year’s event will take place at The Hub in Onchan on the Isle of Mann to increase foot traffic and accessibility for attendees. The event will feature local crafters, fun holiday treats, and gifts for anyone on your list.

This year, there is a wide variety of stalls and activities for the whole family to enjoy. This includes face painting, 3D printed figures, slime from Wild Child Events, festive incense and treats from Shea Candles, crochet gifts, Knits and Pieces, and local makers.

The event began as a small fundraiser to help the animals on the Isle of Mann and has since grown into one of their key events of the season. It combines holiday shopping and a festive atmosphere with the ability to raise funds for animals in need.

This family-friendly event is free to attend. Those who go will be able to support local artisans and crafters and get the chance to meet the makers themselves. Each stall supports local crafters and the ManxSPCA.

There is a £10 stall fee for those wishing to have a stall at the event. This money goes directly to supporting the ManxSPCA’s day-to-day operations. The move to a new location allows there to be more stalls than in previous years due to added space. Not only does the event raise funds for the ManxSPCA, but it also supports local businesses and crafters.

Aside from the stall fee, participants can help raise money for ManxSPCA by visiting charity stalls at the event, entering the raffle, or making a donation. Those who wish to get involved with ManxSPCA through volunteering, becoming members, sponsoring a pen, donating items, or fundraising. 

Related Articles:

-Rediscovery Centre To Host Sustainable Christmas Fair: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/12/rediscovery-centre-to-host-sustainable.html

-Plan.com To Host Annual Santa's On A Bike Charity Ride: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/11/plancom-to-host-annual-santas-on-bike.html

-Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity To Host Sparkle and Shine Carol Concert: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/11/echc-sparkle-and-shine-2025.html

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